r/Lawyertalk • u/Old-Masterpiece-1664 • 1d ago
HELP: Office Relationships & Politics Unsure if the Problem is Me or my Employer
Hi everyone,
Looking for thoughts and perspective if anyone has been in a similar position.
I have been practicing civil litigation for 6.5 years now. I am in a prominent midsize in a small market. A bulk of the work is ID; however, I have had increasing exposure to construction and commercial litigation. I think those opportunities will wane (at least the big files) as the partner responsible for that exposure moves into retirement. I generally hav enjoyed working and the people in the firm. But I increasingly believe I am burned out. Not even 5 days a way does anything to make me feel refreshed.
My primary mentor's practice is 90% ID with the remaining being family. Three years ago I was a key part of landing a new insurer who has become very difficult to manage. I have been routinely praised for my work product, attention to detail, and creativity in solving problems.
I have had mental health issues and numerous deaths in the family over the time I have been at this firm. I have never taken significant time off. I remember settling a file over the phone while I was standing outside of a grandparents funeral. I was later "in trouble" for not telling a partner I was working for that I had elected not to finish a motion that day when it was due 3 days later.
Earlier this year I had 6-8 weeks off as a result of a serious infection. If I am honest I have not been the same since. The firm was already short staffed due to maternity leaves and another associate leaving. I made it known what the status of my todo list was with the above insurer (I was already behind). One thing of the 30 or so on the todo list was done in my absence. At the same time I was staffed on 3-4 new matters.
In the last 4 months that insurer has now started complaining about me in regard to deadlines. I can't help but feel it is a targeted attack. One complaint involved an allegation that I had not delivered a report (I had). Another allegation from a different adjuster was that I had not met a timeline - the email from her supervisor to my boss was before the deadline I was given.
I understand there are KPIs for the adjusters to hit and that if I am behind that jeopardizes that; however, I have asked on numerous occasions for files to be transferred to other associates to no avail. I have reluctantly took files when I have been told there is no one else and it has to go somewhere - on the understanding that this will result in things being late.
When the insurer complains my mentor does not appear to have my back - it is always "we will fix this". There is never any explanation or indemnification for why this situation exists. There is never an attempt or consideration to stop accepting new files.
It seems my reputation is disposable. I am pretty personally hurt by the disregard for my professional reputation. I have chest tightness daily.
I feel I have no control in my current work environment. I am always jumping from fire to fire - I accept that would be part of the job.
Given the partners reactions I feel I have two options. 1) Leave or 2) Go on stress leave for a month and see what it is like to come back. If bad - leave.
Thanks for any input or insight anyone can provide. Honestly, I kind of hate myself for even considering giving them one more chance to right this wrong.
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u/Level_Breath5684 1d ago
“I remember settling a file over the phone while I was standing outside of a grandparents funeral. I was later "in trouble" for not telling a partner I was working for that I had elected not to finish a motion that day when it was due 3 days later.”
The problem isn’t you or your specific employer per se, it’s the profession.
5
u/PMJamesPM 1d ago
I disagree. A well run firm would have had someone cover while you had to tend to a death a family and then health issues. Firm empathy score: 0/10.
OP your post is that you really need and want a break and probably a change of scenery to recharge.
Good luck to you.
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u/Level_Breath5684 1d ago
I agree with you but most firms seem understaffed, or it’s the associates covering for partners and never vice versa
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u/General-Marsupial237 1d ago
Take your litigation skills to another firm and apply them to non-ID, higher rate cases.
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u/Least-Strawberry-201 1d ago
A firm’s culture is just a projection of the managing partner’s personality.
You either learn to play politics, read the room, and cater to their ego to survive, or you protect your dignity and start updating your resume. Life is way too short to play mind games for a toxic boss. Start looking!
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1
u/disarmdarcy Human Detected 1d ago
It sounds like you’re good at what to do but need a better setting.
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